In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative process and literary influences of a talented author Andrew Masseurs, exploring the unique world of apocalyptic fiction and the rewarding journey of self-publishing a captivating series. Join us as we uncover the inspiration, challenges, and future aspirations of Andrew Masseurs.
But First, Who is Andrew Masseurs?
Andrew Masseurs is a creatively restless spirit. While spending over twenty years creating music, four albums and an ep, he found himself inexplicably focused on writing one day on holiday. The result, his first exciting novella, A Day in the Life Novella (A Day in the Life Series, Book One) Relishing the experience Andrew is now getting the second book in the A Day in the Life series, The Day After (A Day in the Life Series, Book Two) ready for release and is currently writing the third book in the series.
Andrew is a loving husband and father to four kids living in the beautiful country that is New Zealand.
Andrew Masseurs’s Books:
1. What initially inspired you to write and how did you get started in your writing career?
My inspiration for writing the series came from trying to read a novel on holiday that was a hard slog. Out of frustration, I started writing my own. I love most things apocalyptic so it has been a joy to write. Initially, the first book A Day in the Life (Novella) was published. I have since moved to self-publishing and have released the second book, The Day After and I’m getting the third book ready for release called Days of Fury.
2. Can you describe your process for creating and developing characters? How much do you draw from real life?
It’s pretty instinctive. A lot of my writing is basically in my head, spinning around 24/7. I know what type of character I’ll need to create a feeling or emotion. Depending on what the story needs or where it is going. As I write the character, it’ll flesh itself out.
Real life experiences do come through. I tend to blow them up as my life is spent walking dogs, working and drinking a morning coffee. Hardly riveting stuff. Hence why I love to write.
3. What challenges do you face when writing about apocalyptic scenarios and how do you overcome them?
As it’s a series, it’s keeping everything in line. Making sure references are remembered. Set ups aren’t ruined. I can have references and plans all set up for books four and five and I have to make sure it is mentioned in book two. Thankfully, as I’m now self published and because I format the books myself, I can change anything I’ve missed pretty quickly. I’ve read the books so many times while editing and formatting that I have a lot of it stored in my head. Probably the most difficult part is the outline. Making sure before I write that I have something down that is riveting, exciting and different. Then as I write I change it all, haha!.
4. How important is setting in your stories, and how do you go about building a believable world?
In my world it’s number 1. The world is almost the most important character. Everyone has disappeared, including animals. New predatory creatures have started appearing. A lot of hows and whys that need to be answered and are being answered as the books move forward. Of course, the story is just as important with the characters slowly growing, but the world definitely is an influencing character that creates tension and trauma at any time. I love and am scared while being in it. Hooray!
5. Who are some of your literary influences and how have they shaped your writing style?
At a young age, it was Steven king. Later on Jk Rowling, George R R martin, Suzanne Collins, Thomas Harris, Richard Matheson, Bram Stoker. I read and listen to anything and everything these days. I tend to enjoy books that can scare you but also make you laugh. Or vice versa. It’s how I tend to write. I’ll jump at you and then spray you with water from a flower on my chest.
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6. Can you talk about any research you do to ensure the authenticity and plausibility of the scenarios you write about?
The story takes place in New Zealand so a lot of the places and streets are taken from real streets and shops. I love putting in songs that I love as a way of incorporating feelings of the scenario or place someone is in. Or how they are feeling. I’m hoping the reader is playing the song I’ve referenced as they read, as that will give them an idea as to what the character is feeling and also what the scene or setting is trying to portray. I tend to write about everyday people who are stuck in an apocalyptic situation. So these are people that don’t have the answers to questions like, power, gas, and sewage and everything else that we take for granted. I think it makes it more real and interesting. So as they are learning how to live without anything, so am I.
7. What is your writing routine like? Do you have any specific habits or environments that help you write?
I tend to write quickly. Once I have a rough outline of a novel, I’ll start with the prologue. Once I’m happy in my head with where the next chapter is going, then I’ll attack it. I’m lucky in that normally what comes out on paper is better than what I had in mind.
If it’s a hard slog, I know something is wrong or, it’s a particularly hard scene to write and I need to get it right. Book two had a lot of emotional moments. I would put off writing these moments til I was in the right frame of mind because I knew I needed to get it right. Book three has one of the worst moments I could imagine writing. I have questioned whether to do it? I have put it off. I have changed my mind numerous times. In the end I decided I needed to do it in order for the character to become something special, also as an author I need to take risks. I think the reader appreciates it. But I think I stopped writing for about a week to get the will to do it. When I’m on a roll the first draft of a novel can happen very quickly. I wrote book two in a month. Book three has taken around three. I love being creative, so it’s never been a chore.
8. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your writing career so far?
Having my wife cry after reading the first novel. Best moment after that? Having her cry three times, reading book two. I was listening in the other room and all I could hear was, no, no!, no! Very satisfying.
9. How do you see your writing evolving in the future? Are there new genres or topics you’re interested in exploring?
That’s a difficult one. I don’t want to look too far into the future. I’ve planned up to book five of this series. I know it has the potential to go to nine. So, I just want to reach the goal of putting this to bed satisfied and happy, I want to write a long series that has a gratifying ending. One where the reader is paid back for following the characters on this journey through so many books. Once I’ve done that, then I can look at what’s ahead.
10. Looking back at your writing journey, what would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Be yourself.
Thank you, Andrew Masseurs, for sharing your inspiring journey, creative process, and insights into the world of apocalyptic fiction. Your dedication to storytelling and the rewarding experience of self-publishing is truly admirable. We appreciate the opportunity to delve into your literary influences and writing routine, and we look forward to the continued evolution of your captivating series.
